City-changing projects getting underway

Looking forward to the year ahead, a number of works are set to get underway which will enable a couple of significant city changing projects to proceed.

Already streets and spaces are beginning to be closed off as contractor John Holland commences enabling works and site preparation for the multi-billion dollar Melbourne Metro project. A’Beckett and Franklin streets will remain closed for about five years to allow for the excavation and construction of the station shafts for CBD North Station.

City Square will also shut for the same period to facilitate demolition works within the City Square below-ground car park, which requires the protection and potential relocation of adjacent utilities, including gas, power and telecommunications services. Excavation and construction will then follow on one of the station shafts for CBD South.

It is also expected that a number of buildings along Swanston St will be formally acquired later this year with demolition then commencing in 2018 to enable construction of the new CBD stations as the centre of the city begins to resemble a huge construction zone.

In addition to the Melbourne Metro Rail Project, the City of Melbourne’s $250m Queen Victoria Market renewal project will start following the announcement of a market pavilion with an elevated greenhouse to accommodate for traders during the redevelopment.

The 260m long structure will be located on the corner of Queen and Franklin streets when it opens later this year and has been designed by Breathe Architecture.

Development plans for a high-rise tower on the Munro site in addition to parking and community facilities by developer PDG are yet to be released.

In addition to the above projects further private investment is expected in 2017 with a significant number of high-rises set to top out or finish while others are due to commence construction including Mirvac’s Olderfleet, QIC’s 80 Collins St, Premier Tower, the dual tower Queens Place, The Ritz Carlton at West Side Place and a whole host of others which would take too long to mention individually.